Illinois Legislature

Gov. JB Pritzker's efforts to keep the Bears in Illinois and pass the BUILD affordable housing plan failed due to opposition from local government leaders. The BUILD plan aimed to streamline housing development but stalled in the legislature, with critics citing preemptive state control over local zoning. Pritzker remains determined to push the plan during a fall veto session.

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signed hemp regulations into law to regulate delta-8 and other hemp-derived products similarly to recreational marijuana, aligning with a federal ban on hemp edibles and vapes set for November. The law aims to protect consumers and transition hemp industry entrepreneurs into the licensed cannabis sector, but opponents warn it will harm minority-owned businesses and jobs.

The Bears may move their stadium to Indiana after Illinois legislators failed to pass funding, spreading blame across multiple officials including Kevin Warren, Ted Phillips, Governor JB Pritzker, and local leaders. Indiana lawmakers have approved taxes for a new stadium, contrasting with Illinois's inaction.

Illinois Legislature passed a bill banning new immigration detention centers within 1,500 feet of homes, schools, and other facilities, which now awaits Governor JB Pritzker's signature. Existing facilities like the Broadview ICE processing center are unaffected, and the legislation has drawn opposition from Republicans who argue it may be unconstitutional.

Illinois lawmakers passed bills protecting access to reproductive and gender-affirming care, including measures to limit state tracking of hormone therapy and medication abortion. Governor JB Pritzker supports the legislation, but lawmakers acknowledge limitations in shielding against federal actions, as hospitals in the state reduce trans care due to federal policy concerns.

The Illinois legislature failed to pass a bill to keep the Chicago Bears in the state, leaving the team to consider relocation options. The Bears will evaluate sites in Arlington Heights and Hammond, while Indiana offers up to $1 billion in incentives. A modified bill allowing local stadium authorities in Cook County municipalities was approved by the Senate but stalled in the House.

The Chicago Bears issued a statement following the passage of Illinois' $55.9 billion budget without a stadium bill, confirming they will continue evaluating locations like Arlington Heights and Hammond. The Illinois Senate passed a modified stadium bill overnight, but the House did not vote before adjourning, leaving the team's future in the state uncertain.

The Illinois legislature passed a $55B budget without including a Chicago Bears stadium bill, leaving the team's future in the state uncertain. The Senate approved a modified bill allowing Cook County municipalities to create local stadium authorities, but the House has not yet voted. The Bears stated they will continue evaluating locations like Arlington Heights and Hammond.

Illinois legislature passed Senate Bill 2427 to ban student cellphone use during school hours, with exceptions for healthcare, Individualized Education Plans, and English learners. Governor JB Pritzker announced his intention to sign the bill, calling it 'vital protections' for students.

The Illinois Legislature has passed a historic AI bill requiring third-party safety audits for artificial intelligence systems. The legislation aims to enhance accountability and safety in AI deployment.